SUCCESSFUL KIOSK COMPONENTS This section of the course contains the following: Successful Components Successful Concepts

COMPONENTS Certain kiosk-related components have been proven to work - and work well. Depending upon your application, you may or may not need the components below - but if you do, here are some hints: Application-Specific Enclosure Labeling & Design If your application requires an enclosure, consider spending the extra money on appropriate labeling. For example, big letters spelling INFORMATION on the side of your enclosure speak volumes! Enclosures are like cars: you can purchase the ol’ Jalopy or you can design a Mercedes - your budget and application should dictate the style. Keep in mind that there exists applications where an enclosure could be considered optional. Pick Your Pointing Device Wisely Your application should also dictate the type of pointing device you should choose, whether it is a touch screen monitor, a mouse, or a trackball. It should also dictate whether or not you need a keyboard - and which type of keyboard would work well. Include a Printer Only if Absolutely Necessary Printers mean extra time, money, and headaches. They may, however, be vital to your application. Don’t use a printer just to "have one available" - include a printer when absolutely necessary. For example: "more information" pamphlets, coupons, pay-per-print, and directions. If you do install a printer, have the software be "savvy" and not allow a series of printouts to occur if, for example, a youngster presses the print button in succession a multitude of times. This can be done - for example - by forcing a screen change between printouts. Telephones Telephones are a great way to get immediate responses. The drawback to telephones is that they are prone to vandalism. CONCEPTS Consideration: Kiosks Are One-to-One Don’t forget - constantly verify that your kiosk conforms to the "Get In / Get Out" rule. Remember that not all kiosk-like applications are successful. Since kiosks are usually one-to-one, an "advertising only" kiosk won't fair too well and money is better spent on radio, newspaper, or television advertising. Consideration: Kiosks May Also Be One-to-Many If your kiosk application is your web site, consider making the initial impact within a select few web pages, and provide the additional details "behind" the impact pages. This will allow you to use your web site in a dual purpose manner: intensive on the ‘net / limited on the kiosk. If designed in this manner, it’s an easy procedure to replace the "in-depth" pages on the kiosk with "stub" pages (or printouts) that eliminate information overload at the kiosk. Target the Audience Know who you want accessing your kiosk, and design for that group. A good rule of thumb is to "make it so Grandma can use it". If your audience is young, use hip pictures and music. If you application spans all generations, remember not to offend. And never assume anything! Pretend your entire audience is computer illiterate (unless you have a specific target audience). Avoid Information Overload Easy to say - hard to do. Keep Data Collection to a Minimum If it’s long, it fails "Get In / Get Out". If they have to touch-type, keep it brief. If you want volumes of results, offer a prize. Contain / Display Excitement Web sites are boring! Do your best to add some spice. Don’t force them (or trap them). Give them a "way out". Ease-of-Use: Grandma Your #1 tester (unless Gram hangs 10 on the Net all day...) Touchable / Intuitive 3D graphics, audio clicks, action / reaction. Use graphics AND text. Web Page Relevance Does your site measure up?